Improving Google Maps

In 2013, we previewed a new version of desktop Maps, completely rewritten on an upgraded and modern platform for a richer, more engaging, and more helpful mapping experience. Since then, we’ve been continually improving the product, and will soon be rolling it out to everyone.

This update provides a number of benefits, including easier trip planning, more accurate traffic data, easier ways to explore new areas, and the ability to get you where you’re going with better search, directions, Street View imagery and more.

Common questions

It’s now easier to plan your next trip, check live traffic conditions, discover what’s happening around town, and learn about a new area. The updated Maps will help you:

Make smarter decisions. Search for “coffee” in your neighborhood, and you’ll be able to see results right on the map. When you click on a cafe, the map will suggest related results that you may not have known about.

Get where you're going, faster. Car? Bike? Train? Find the most efficient route for you, with your best options laid out on the map, including the time and distance for each route. And with real-time traffic reports and Street View previews, you’ll become a commuting ninja.

See the world from every angle. Rich imagery takes you to notable landmarks, sends you flying above mountains in 3D, and gives you a sneak peek of businesses you plan to visit. The “carousel” at the bottom of the map makes all this imagery easy to access, so you can explore the world with a click.